Ghost trains, glowing woodland, spooky crafts and plenty of Halloween magic await families at CONKERS this October half-term.
If you’re looking for a family day out with just the right amount of Halloween magic, CONKERS is preparing to deliver a spooktacular experience this autumn. From Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October 2026, the popular National Forest attraction near Moira, Derbyshire, will transform into a world of ghosts, ghouls and glowing woodland for its annual Halloween Spooktacular.
We visited CONKERS last year and had a spooktacular time, making this a Halloween event we would happily recommend to families looking for something a little different to enjoy together.
The evening adventure promises a magical forest light walk, a spooky ghost train, Halloween crafts, a disco and immersive entertainment, with plenty to keep little monsters entertained throughout the evening.
All aboard the CONKERS ghost train!
The Halloween adventure begins with a ride aboard the CONKERS ghost train, setting the scene for an evening of spooky surprises. From there, families can venture into the haunted woods for an enchanting forest light walk, where illuminated woodland and unexpected spooky encounters bring the forest to life after dark.
There is something particularly magical about exploring the woods at night. The combination of glowing lights, autumnal surroundings and Halloween decorations creates an atmospheric experience for children and adults alike, without losing that sense of family-friendly fun.
It is the kind of experience that encourages little ones to let their imaginations run wild, whether they are searching for ghosts in the trees or wondering what might be lurking around the next corner.
Spooky crafts, dancing and Halloween fun
Back indoors, there will be plenty more Halloween entertainment to enjoy. Young visitors can get creative with spooky craft activities, making their own vampire-, werewolf- and witch-inspired masks before showing off their creations.
The Halloween disco is another highlight, giving children the chance to dance, join in games and show off their best monster moves. Families are encouraged to arrive dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes, with prizes available for the best-dressed visitors.
For children who enjoy a little extra sensory excitement, CONKERS’ immersive 4D cinema adds another dimension to the experience. Combining on-screen action with special effects such as air and water, it brings the adventure to life in a way that goes beyond an ordinary cinema visit.
With so many activities to enjoy, there is a lovely balance between getting creative, letting off steam and experiencing the Halloween atmosphere together.
Discovering the magic of CONKERS
CONKERS is much more than a seasonal Halloween attraction. Situated in the heart of the National Forest near Moira, it opened in 1999 as the National Forest Visitors Centre, on a former colliery site that has since become a destination for outdoor adventure, environmental learning and family fun.
With around 120 acres of woodland, lakes and adventure trails, there is plenty to explore. The Discovery Centre is particularly appealing to curious young minds, with interactive exhibits introducing visitors to the natural world and the wildlife that calls British woodland home.
During our visit last year, we explored the visitor centre, where our daughter discovered how bats use echolocation to navigate their surroundings. It was a brilliant example of how CONKERS combines entertainment with learning, giving children the opportunity to discover fascinating facts through hands-on experiences.
And if you are planning a longer visit, there are plenty of other attractions to discover.
More family attractions to explore at CONKERS
The Barefoot Walk
One of CONKERS’ best-known experiences is its Barefoot Walk, where visitors can enjoy a sensory journey across different natural surfaces, including bark, pebbles, timber and grass. It is a fun way for children to explore the textures of the natural world, although it is best suited to those happy to get their feet a little muddy!
The CONKERCHOO train
Little train enthusiasts will love hopping aboard the CONKERCHOO, which travels between the Discovery and Waterside Centres. It is a lovely way to take in some of the surroundings while adding another little adventure to the day.
The Enchanted Forest and indoor play
For energetic children, the Enchanted Forest indoor play area offers climbing, rope walkways and imaginative woodland-themed adventures. There is also Billy Bonkers, an indoor playhouse designed for children who love to climb, crawl and explore.
The Warrens
For something a little different, The Warrens takes visitors through a network of underground-style tunnels and passageways. With sound and lighting effects, it is an immersive experience that encourages children to use their senses as they find their way through. Younger visitors may need reassurance if they are uncomfortable with dark or enclosed spaces.
Adventure play and woodland trails
Outside, families can enjoy adventure play areas, woodland walks and activity trails. The Fairy Labyrinth adds a touch of enchantment for younger visitors, while older children may prefer the more challenging outdoor activities.
Lakes, wildlife and outdoor exploration
The lakes and woodland offer opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy a quieter side of the attraction. Depending on the activities available during your visit, families can also look out for seasonal ranger-led experiences and other outdoor adventures.
These attractions make CONKERS a destination worth exploring beyond Halloween, particularly for families who enjoy combining outdoor activities with indoor entertainment.
Please check the official CONKERS website for attraction opening times, age guidance and any additional charges, as availability can vary.
A Halloween event for the whole family
What makes the CONKERS Halloween Spooktacular appealing is the variety. There is the excitement of the ghost train, the beauty of the illuminated forest, the creativity of the craft sessions and the energy of the disco, all brought together in one family-friendly evening.
For younger children, it offers a chance to experience Halloween in an imaginative setting without the emphasis being solely on frightening scares. Older children can enjoy the spooky atmosphere and interactive activities, while parents can join in and make memories along the way.
Having visited last year, we know that CONKERS has plenty to offer families who enjoy a little seasonal magic. The attraction’s woodland setting lends itself beautifully to Halloween, making the forest light walk a particularly appealing reason to visit
CONKERS Halloween Spooktacular 2026: Tickets and essential information
- Dates: Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 October 2026
- Location: CONKERS, Rawdon Road, Moira, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Derbyshire, DE12 6GA
- Event highlights: Ghost train, Halloween forest light walk, spooky crafts, Halloween disco, 4D cinema and fancy-dress prizes.
- Non-member ticket prices supplied for this event: Adults £11, children £9, under-twos £4 and carers £5.
- Member ticket prices supplied for this event: Adults £9.90, children aged two to 15 £8.10, under-twos £3.60 and carers £4.50.
For further information and to book tickets, visit the official CONKERS Halloween Family Party Night website or call 01283 216 633.
Our verdict
CONKERS is a brilliant option for families wanting to make the most of the October half-term, and the Halloween Spooktacular adds a wonderfully seasonal twist to an already exciting attraction.
From exploring the natural world inside the Discovery Centre to enjoying outdoor adventures and then returning for an evening of glowing woodland and spooky surprises, there is plenty to make a family visit memorable.
If you love Halloween, enjoy getting dressed up and fancy swapping the usual trick-or-treating routine for a magical woodland adventure, CONKERS deserves a place on your autumn family-day-out list.
Our tip: Wrap up warm, wear comfortable footwear for the woodland walk and arrive in your best Halloween costume. You never know which ghost, ghoul or woodland creature you might encounter along the way!
Tickets for non-members cost £11 for adults, £9 for children, £4 for under-twos and £5 for carers. CONKERS members get discounted tickets: £9.90 for adults, £8.10 for children aged two to 15, £3.60 for under-twos, and £4.50 for carers.
More information on the Halloween Spooktacular Light Walk be found at www.visitconkers.com/event/halloween-family-party-night/.
Book tickets for the Halloween Light Walk online or by calling 01283 216 633.
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